Sarah M. Baxter

Sarah M. BAXTER

Sarah Marguerite Laramie was born in Renton, Washington February 20, 1910 in a home on Park Avenue to her parents John and Josephine Laramie. Sarah passed away on October 28, 2012 at the age of 102 surrounded by her immediate family.

She had two younger sisters, Ruth and Blanche and a half brother, Frank that are now deceased. She and her sisters and families remained close for many years. Both sisters passed away in their early nineties.

Sarah attended elementary school on Earlington Hill, Central School in Renton, which was later changed to Henry Ford School, and Renton High School.

In 1929 she married Joseph R. Baxter from Renton and they had three children, Barbara Shellan who lives in Bellevue with her husband Jerry, John who passed away three years ago, survived by his wife Mary and Joseph Wesley who passed away as a baby. She has 8 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.

As a young woman Sarah worked in Renton near the Pacific Car and Foundary at Peterson's lunch room and later worked at Boldt's Cafeteria at The Boeing Company. In 1949 they bought and operated Baxter's Motel on Rainier Avenue in Renton.

Joe was a Renton councilman before becoming Mayor of Renton. He served as Mayor from 1949 to 1960. He was the first full time Mayor of Renton. Sarah christened the first Boeing KC-135 "City of Renton" at the Renton municipal airport. When Joe passed away in January 1962 Sarah continued to operate the motel until 1973.

Sarah is a 86 year member of the Pythian Sisters and held many offices in the organization during that time including Grand Chief. She has many friends from her association with the organization. She is also a long term member of the Eastern Stars.

On her 100th birthday when living at The Lakeshore Retirement Home the Mayor of Renton declared that day "Sarah M. Baxter Day."

Sarah always attributed her longevity to her friends and close family ties and also to her stubbornness and determination!

She had memories of riding the streetcar to Seattle, wooden sidewalks in Renton, the delivery stables, horses before cars, picnics on Cedar River, lots of good times at Liberty Park and participating in parades, and learning to swim in Lake Washington.

Her entire family feels blessed to have had her in their life. She set a very good example and was a worthy grandmother and great grandmother. Our special thanks are extended to her daughter Barbara and her grandchildren who attended her faithfully during the last few years, to make her life more enjoyable and peaceful.

At Sarah's request there will be a graveside service limited to the family and close friends.

Any remembrance may be given to Children's Hospital Research Foundation uncompensated care or Renton Historical Society or a charity of your choice.